Humberside and South Yorkshire Cadets Put Their Business Skills to the Test at Business and Enterprise Weekend
Thirty cadets from Humberside and South Yorkshire’s D Company swapped the parade square for the boardroom as they attended the Cadet Forces Tri-Service Business and Enterprise Study Weekend at York Business School, part of York St John University.
Supported by Headquarters North and the RFCA Yorkshire and the Humber, the weekend gave cadets aged 15 and over the chance to experience university life while developing valuable business and leadership skills.
Learning from Business Experts
Throughout the weekend, cadets took part in interactive workshops led by university academics, industry professionals, and former cadets from across the Headquarters North region. These guest speakers shared how their Cadet Forces experience helped shape their careers and personal development.
Sessions covered entrepreneurship, business development, marketing, accounting, and investment. Cadets gained practical knowledge of how businesses are created, managed, and grown. They also explored the challenges and opportunities faced by modern entrepreneurs.
Putting Ideas into Practice
One of the highlights of the weekend was the business pitch challenge. Working in teams, cadets created innovative business ideas before presenting them to a judging panel.
The challenge encouraged creative thinking, teamwork, and confident communication. It also demonstrated how the leadership and problem-solving skills developed through the Cadet Forces can be applied in a business environment.
Experiencing University Life
The programme gave cadets a real insight into life at university. They attended lectures, explored the campus, and took part in research-led learning. The experience helped many consider future education and career opportunities.
The event also highlighted the strong partnership between the Cadet Forces and York St John University. One lecturer who has supported all three Business and Enterprise Study Weekends was inspired to become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). They now continue to support young people both through the university and within the Cadet Forces.
Надихаючи наступне покоління
The weekend’s long-term impact was clear through the return of a former Humberside and South Yorkshire cadet. After attending the study weekend in a previous year and winning one of the event’s awards, she went on to study at York St John University.
She used the accreditation gained during the weekend to strengthen her university application. This year, she returned as a postgraduate student ambassador, supporting the event and inspiring the next generation of cadets.
Building Skills for the Future
The weekend was a fantastic success, with all 30 cadets embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism. They returned home with new knowledge, increased confidence, stronger friendships, and a fresh perspective on the opportunities available beyond school.
The Business and Enterprise Study Weekend shows how the Cadet Forces offer experiences that go beyond traditional military training. By bringing together education, industry, and leadership development, the programme equips young people with practical skills and confidence for the future.
Its lasting legacy is reflected in the people who return to support it. Former cadets now deliver workshops, university staff have become Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and previous participants have returned as postgraduate ambassadors. Together, they demonstrate the lasting impact the Cadet Forces can have on young people’s education, careers, and personal development.
